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pre•tense

Pronunciation: (pri-tens', prē'tens),[key]—n.1. pretending or feigning; make-believe: My sleepiness was all pretense.2. a false show of something: a pretense of friendship.3. a piece of make-believe.
4. the act of pretending or alleging falsely.
5. a false allegation or justification: He excused himself from the lunch on a pretense of urgent business.6. insincere or false profession: His pious words were mere pretense.7. the putting forth of an unwarranted claim.
8. the claim itself.
9. any allegation or claim: to obtain money under false pretenses.10. pretension (usually fol. by to): destitute of any pretense to wit.11. pretentiousness. Also,esp. Brit.,pretence.